Best wildflower hikes around Ketchum

KETCHUM — Spring and the early summer season are chock-full of fresh energy as nature renews plant life. Lush green hills with abundant wildflowers are prime for awe-inspiring hikes displaying a plethora of color. Hit the hills during the next few months for a vibrant hike. Below is a go-to list of locations covered with an abundance of native flowers.

Fireweed re-populates burned landscapes and along streams up to 9,000 feet in elevation — a purple flower reaching a height of three feet.

Western columbine blooms in late spring as one of the few red flowers populating the Big Wood region — a complex and delicate flower found by streams and on moist slopes.

Western spring beauty blooms in early spring at the edge of melting snow with delicate white petals accented by pink antlers.

Lupine of the legume family grows in tall, dense clusters of blue, purple or pink.

Croy Canyon Area

Several miles west of Hailey is one of the first trail networks to erupt with wildflower colors. This area offers an array of trails on which to ride bikes or hike — known for abundant lupine and arrowleaf balsamroot.

Taylor Canyon

A more lightly used area, Taylor Canyon trail is a loop with abundant arrowleaf balsamroot flowers and stunning views of the surrounding Pioneer, Boulder and Smoky mountain ranges. The 3.8-mile loop is an intermediate challenge for hikers, bikers or equestrians — gaining up to 1,489 feet. Drive 3.4 miles north of Ketchum, turn right onto Lake Creek Road and follow the signs to Taylor Canyon Trailhead.

Proctor Mountain

This destination is an iconic gem with remarkable views of Bald Mountain and the town of Ketchum below — blossoming early with bright yellow arrowleaf balsamroot and several other wildflowers. The three-mile loop increases 1,133 feet in elevation, transitioning from the flat valley floor through aspen groves, several steeper switchbacks between shaded evergreens and topping out at the point of the mountain before a steep descent back to the trailhead.

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Expansive wildflower blooms cover the open spaces of Bald Mountain. The most common trek starts at River Run Plaza and switch-backs up the heavily wooded hillside. The wooden overlook platform is a prime midway break before continuing through the aspens and mature evergreens to the Roundhouse connector trail. Keep an eye out for the Louis Stur memorial and water fountain near the junction. The summit is reached at the top of the Challenger Ski Lift with jaw-dropping 360-degree views. The chairlift runs in the summer, so you could opt for a lift ride down or vice versa.

Greenhorn and Cow Creek Area

Sweeping trails through a regenerative forest and open fields provide options for various out-and-back hikes or loop connections. Later in the spring, the fireweed flower is prominent through the burned forest areas with bright purple blossoms that move up the stem as the season progresses. This flower is nicknamed “Summer’s Time Keeper.”

White Clouds

This trail is made for every fitness level with very quick access from downtown Ketchum. Park at Sun Valley Lodge, then simply cross the road to the path which loops around the White Clouds Golf Course. This trail has very little elevation gain and can be taken as a 4-mile loop or out-and-backs in whichever direction. The south-facing slopes are engulfed by arrowhead balsamroot, lupine and several other beautiful wildflowers. The optimal time to hike this trail is morning or evening because there is no shade. Bald Mountain is the highlight of the view, paired with views of the jagged Pioneer Mountains and valleys sprinkled with colorful blooms.

Camas Prairie Wildflowers

The purple camas lily bloom peaks about mid-June with Camas Creek filled bank to bank. This Centennial Marsh Wildlife Management Area is a slightly longer drive south of Sun Valley close to Fairfield, but is an incredible sight to see. Alongside the abundant lily bloom is an array of thousands of waterfowl, shorebirds, raptors and songbirds. Expansive fields of purple, red and green will leave you speechless. While the marsh is too wet for walking access through the fields, there are tables for a mid-day picnic.

Spring and early summer are special times in Sun Valley. There are fewer visitors on the trails, days are getting longer and the vegetation regrowth is lush green and sprinkled with the brightest wildflowers. Enjoy the beauty of the valley with these colorful hikes.

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